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China Bayles #5
Rueful Death
In search of respite, China takes off to St. Theresa's Monastery with her friend Maggie, a former nun. The goal is a brief, tranquil retreat - but there's a conflict at the convent. The mother superior has recently died, and a battle over the future of St. Theresa's suggests that her sudden demise might not have been accidental. Now, China's quest for a replenished spirit takes second place to a more earthbound pursuit: catching a killer...
275 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 1, 1996
137 people are currently reading
774 people want to read
About the author
Susan Wittig Albert
119 books2,365 followersSusan is the author/co-author of biographical/historical fiction, mysteries, and nonfiction. Now in her 80s and continuing to write, she says that retirement is not (yet) an option. She publishes under her own imprint. Here are her latest books.
A PLAIN VANILLA MURDER, #27 in the long-running China Bayles/Pecan Springs series.
Two Pecan Springs novella trilogies: The Crystal Cave Trilogy (featuring Ruby Wilcox): noBODY, SomeBODY Else, and Out of BODY; and The Enterprise Trilogy (featuring Jessica Nelson): DEADLINES, FAULTLINES, and FIRELINES.
THE DARLING DAHLIAS AND THE POINSETTIA PUZZLE #8 in the Darling Dahlias series, set in the early 1930s in fictional Darling AL
THE GENERAL'S WOMEN. Kay, Mamie, and Ike--the wartime romance that won a war but could have derailed a presidency.
LOVING ELEANOR: A novel about the intimate 30-year friendship of Eleanor Roosevelt and Lorena Hickok, based on their letters
A WILDER ROSE: the true story of Rose Wilder Lane, who transformed her mother from a farm wife and occasional writer to a literary icon
THE TALE OF CASTLE COTTAGE, #8 in the Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter
DEATH ON THE LIZARD, the 12th and last (2006) of the Robin Paige series, by Susan and Bill Albert
TOGETHER, ALONE: A MEMOIR OF MARRIAGE AND PLACE
AN EXTRAORDINARY YEAR OF ORDINARY DAYS
WORK OF HER OWN: A WOMAN'S GUIDE TO RIGHT LIVELIHOOD
WRITING FROM LIFE: TELLING YOUR SOUL'S STORY
A PLAIN VANILLA MURDER, #27 in the long-running China Bayles/Pecan Springs series.
Two Pecan Springs novella trilogies: The Crystal Cave Trilogy (featuring Ruby Wilcox): noBODY, SomeBODY Else, and Out of BODY; and The Enterprise Trilogy (featuring Jessica Nelson): DEADLINES, FAULTLINES, and FIRELINES.
THE DARLING DAHLIAS AND THE POINSETTIA PUZZLE #8 in the Darling Dahlias series, set in the early 1930s in fictional Darling AL
THE GENERAL'S WOMEN. Kay, Mamie, and Ike--the wartime romance that won a war but could have derailed a presidency.
LOVING ELEANOR: A novel about the intimate 30-year friendship of Eleanor Roosevelt and Lorena Hickok, based on their letters
A WILDER ROSE: the true story of Rose Wilder Lane, who transformed her mother from a farm wife and occasional writer to a literary icon
THE TALE OF CASTLE COTTAGE, #8 in the Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter
DEATH ON THE LIZARD, the 12th and last (2006) of the Robin Paige series, by Susan and Bill Albert
TOGETHER, ALONE: A MEMOIR OF MARRIAGE AND PLACE
AN EXTRAORDINARY YEAR OF ORDINARY DAYS
WORK OF HER OWN: A WOMAN'S GUIDE TO RIGHT LIVELIHOOD
WRITING FROM LIFE: TELLING YOUR SOUL'S STORY
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
November 24, 2024
3.5 stars. We get some pretty interesting backstory on the main character in this one. China used to be a workaholic defense attorney, and left that life to move to Pecan Springs and start an herbal shop.
For the most part, this mystery takes place at a nunnery in the Texas desert, which made it more intriguing for me, especially since this group of nuns is known for growing a variety of garlic known as rocambole. It’s supposed to have an amazing flavor. You will learn about herbs in every single one of these books, and usually more than one plant!
This one didn’t have quite as much humor as I’ve become accustomed to bc the main character delivering a lot of the humor (China’s best friend, Ruby) was offstage for most of it.
Still, I really enjoy this author’s writing and will definitely continue on to the next book in the series, Love Lies Bleeding. I find both print and audiobook versions consistently very good. So far, the same narrator has read all of the audiobooks, and I believe she continues for all or most of the series. I love the way she conveys humor and how she changes voices for everyone.
For the most part, this mystery takes place at a nunnery in the Texas desert, which made it more intriguing for me, especially since this group of nuns is known for growing a variety of garlic known as rocambole. It’s supposed to have an amazing flavor. You will learn about herbs in every single one of these books, and usually more than one plant!
This one didn’t have quite as much humor as I’ve become accustomed to bc the main character delivering a lot of the humor (China’s best friend, Ruby) was offstage for most of it.
Still, I really enjoy this author’s writing and will definitely continue on to the next book in the series, Love Lies Bleeding. I find both print and audiobook versions consistently very good. So far, the same narrator has read all of the audiobooks, and I believe she continues for all or most of the series. I love the way she conveys humor and how she changes voices for everyone.
September 4, 2022
Ms Albert gets better with each China Bayles episode - this one earned five stars in my opinion. Lots of suspects and a nice conclusion.
The Catholic Church was certainly raked over the coals in this story. Sins by the clergy swept under the rug, greed by the hierarchy perpetrated and the suppression of women since time immemorial - all reasons that I have become “lapsed.”
Off to Book #6 - on a Bayles binge!!
The Catholic Church was certainly raked over the coals in this story. Sins by the clergy swept under the rug, greed by the hierarchy perpetrated and the suppression of women since time immemorial - all reasons that I have become “lapsed.”
Off to Book #6 - on a Bayles binge!!
September 18, 2020
China needs a break. Christmas is over and she is totally burned out. When Maggie suggests a retreat to a convent in Texas on the shores of the Yucca River for two weeks, China is all for it. Little does she know that things will not be as restful as she would like. After combining two convents together - convents that are totally different - things are not very restful at the retreat. China is asked to look into mysterious goings on.
I really like the China Bayle books because they are not involved very well researched books but light enough to get through quickly. And an added bonus - I learned about Garlic.
I really like the China Bayle books because they are not involved very well researched books but light enough to get through quickly. And an added bonus - I learned about Garlic.
October 12, 2018
This was my fifth China Bayles mystery and I have to say it was excellent. What made it so interesting for me was that it took place in a monastery. The greed and politics that went on with the nuns was eye-opening. The mystery itself was quite good. It was involved but I pretty much figured out what was going on as far as the money end of the situation was concerned.
Albert tends to go overboard with details. I hope she curtails that in future volumes but I doubt she will. I found myself skipping ahead when I can to paragraphs that went into too much detail about herbs and clothing. Maybe she throws this padding in for the female contingency. However, I've heard quite a number of females say they dislike all the details themselves.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in cozy mysteries. It's not Ngaio Marsh or Margery Allingham calibre of writing but, considering how low rent mystery writing is these days, the China Bayles series is one of the better ones.
Albert tends to go overboard with details. I hope she curtails that in future volumes but I doubt she will. I found myself skipping ahead when I can to paragraphs that went into too much detail about herbs and clothing. Maybe she throws this padding in for the female contingency. However, I've heard quite a number of females say they dislike all the details themselves.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in cozy mysteries. It's not Ngaio Marsh or Margery Allingham calibre of writing but, considering how low rent mystery writing is these days, the China Bayles series is one of the better ones.
February 5, 2022
This was a turning point for the main character. Taking a break from too much life interaction, China decides to go on a retreat for peace of mind. What she finds is more than peace and tranquility. Murder, and old flame and some questionable religious ethics along with herbal insights bring her to question herself and what she wants to do in life.
June 28, 2021
Things are firing up for China when goes away for some time off in a monastery. Throw n an old flame and things really start to heat up! Add in some poisonous letters and people are really feeling rueful!
September 8, 2019
There was so much unbelievable about this book that it it could not be saved. Do yourself a favor, if reading the series, and just skip this one.., or you will also rue it as I did.
January 17, 2023
La storia non sarebbe neanche male, ma sono assai insoddisfatta dalla sua conclusione: alla fine, ci sono diversi reati, ma non vengono mai denunciati pubblicamente e i colpevoli la fanno praticamente franca, anche grazie alla protagonista. Ci sono dei casi in cui puoi anche "approvare" che qualcuno la faccia franca quando, per esempio, colpisce gente malvagia, ma non è questo il caso.
Poi ci sono alcuni errori relativi alla religione cattolica. Siamo d'accordo che le gerarchie cattoliche hanno diverse cose da farsi perdonare e in molti casi sono misogene, sebbene papa Francesco stia cercando di migliorare la situazione. E alcuni alti prelati amano il lusso, ma non ho mai sentito parlare di luoghi di ritiro di lusso per le vacanze dei prelati, soprattutto perché possano giocare a tennis o a golf! E soprattutto non esiste che due comunità appartenenti allo stesso ordine monastico seguano regole diverse: la regola è una e stop. E poi, quando mai si è visto una suora indossare abiti civili o da cowgirl? Soprattutto, le suore usano sempre il velo: a capo scoperto possono stare solo le novizie, che non hanno ancora preso i voti. Mah...
Poi ci sono alcuni errori relativi alla religione cattolica. Siamo d'accordo che le gerarchie cattoliche hanno diverse cose da farsi perdonare e in molti casi sono misogene, sebbene papa Francesco stia cercando di migliorare la situazione. E alcuni alti prelati amano il lusso, ma non ho mai sentito parlare di luoghi di ritiro di lusso per le vacanze dei prelati, soprattutto perché possano giocare a tennis o a golf! E soprattutto non esiste che due comunità appartenenti allo stesso ordine monastico seguano regole diverse: la regola è una e stop. E poi, quando mai si è visto una suora indossare abiti civili o da cowgirl? Soprattutto, le suore usano sempre il velo: a capo scoperto possono stare solo le novizie, che non hanno ancora preso i voti. Mah...
August 4, 2024
Slight slump in this series, but give one more a try. . .
March 24, 2012
Having survived a whirlwind holiday season, China Bayles finds herself growing more unhappy with her life as a shop owner and with her personal relationship with her significant other, McQuaid. Desperate for a period of rest and peace that will give her time to answer the difficult questions about her life that she faces, China accepts her the invitation of her friend and former nun, Maggie, to visit St. Teresa's, the monastic retreat where Maggie once served. China's dreams of a peaceful holiday are shattered before she even arrives at the monastery, however, when she learns that someone within its walls has been setting fires and sending poisonous letters to its members. Soon after her arrival, China becomes embroiled in the mystery, astonished at the animosity that has developed between two factions of sisters. A legacy left to the order has spawned rivaling opinions about the monastery's future and created a deep breach within its walls. Jealousy, greed, hatred...they all simmer below the surface of this peaceful resort and it's up to China to discover the nun who has let those things lead her into hateful - and possibly deadly - actions. As if that weren't enough, China comes face to face with an old flame and finds that the passion between them is just as alive as it was when their relationship ended. Is her relationship with McQuaid coming to an end in favor of this old love? Despite a series of mistakes, China eventually solves the mysteries and comes to some conclusions about her life and future, learning a little about grace in the process.
I found this book a little depressing with its view of the church as a male-dominated world out to crush the female spirit. Granted, there may be some truth in that perspective, but to let it become the focus of much of what should have been a light hearted mystery was a mistake. The philosophies espoused by several of the nuns bothered me, also. Albert's overall view of religion and the organized church is very negative, at least in this series, and that tends to make the book a darker read than it should be. It ends well, though, on an uplifting note of repentance and forgiveness that I found refreshing. All in all, a satisfying mystery but one in the series that I could have skipped without missing.
I found this book a little depressing with its view of the church as a male-dominated world out to crush the female spirit. Granted, there may be some truth in that perspective, but to let it become the focus of much of what should have been a light hearted mystery was a mistake. The philosophies espoused by several of the nuns bothered me, also. Albert's overall view of religion and the organized church is very negative, at least in this series, and that tends to make the book a darker read than it should be. It ends well, though, on an uplifting note of repentance and forgiveness that I found refreshing. All in all, a satisfying mystery but one in the series that I could have skipped without missing.
July 20, 2023
2.5
It’s a bit hard to review this book because I kept falling asleep. Or just zoning right out and having to go back and reread stuff. I guess I don’t find nuns and garlic planting that interesting, go figure.
I feel like China needs to discuss her relationship boundaries with McQuaid because she has … atypical notions of what is acceptable within a relationship wherein you are living with your partner and his kid. Open relationships are fine, but all parties involved should be aware.
China talks early on about how she made a mistake (several) in her deductions, but that happens every book so I’m not sure how this was any different. We get to the end, China thinks it was the secretary in love with her boss, only to find out it was someone else. Not in this book specifically (would a nun’s boss be god?) but you know what I mean. She’s always wrong so I don’t know why her wrongness was of note this time. Ah well.
It’s a bit hard to review this book because I kept falling asleep. Or just zoning right out and having to go back and reread stuff. I guess I don’t find nuns and garlic planting that interesting, go figure.
I feel like China needs to discuss her relationship boundaries with McQuaid because she has … atypical notions of what is acceptable within a relationship wherein you are living with your partner and his kid. Open relationships are fine, but all parties involved should be aware.
China talks early on about how she made a mistake (several) in her deductions, but that happens every book so I’m not sure how this was any different. We get to the end, China thinks it was the secretary in love with her boss, only to find out it was someone else. Not in this book specifically (would a nun’s boss be god?) but you know what I mean. She’s always wrong so I don’t know why her wrongness was of note this time. Ah well.
March 12, 2022
After four books set in Pecan Springs, Texas, the author wisely moves China Bayles to another setting--a retreat where apparently some or all of the nuns are being targeted, and someone is up to no good, including arson and "poison pen" letters. The insights into the cloistered community are interesting and the plot is great, as are the characters. (Although this is no Gaudy Night.) Another good read in the China Bayles series.
On rereading, I decided that this is not my favorite China Bayles book--the possibility of China having a romance while away from home seems strained and inappropriate. Other than that, the story is good and I look forward to continuing to reread the series. I appreciated the shout-out to Brother Cadfael.
On rereading, I decided that this is not my favorite China Bayles book--the possibility of China having a romance while away from home seems strained and inappropriate. Other than that, the story is good and I look forward to continuing to reread the series. I appreciated the shout-out to Brother Cadfael.
February 6, 2014
I have to admit, when I began this book I was quite surprised at the main character. China Bayles, a former lawyer who now runs a herb shop, has always been a down t earth, level-headed gal and in this book, she seems to have lost her bearing. But then that is the reason that she decides to go on a retreat at a convent with her friend Maggie, an ex-nun. When she arrives, China is asked to solve a series of small fires. Along the way, she finds that there is more going on than the fires. The two groups living within the walls of the cloister have two very different attitudes about what should be done with the convent and the fires are only a sign of something much deeper and more deadly.
Another solid mystery from Wittig Albert.
Another solid mystery from Wittig Albert.
November 25, 2020
Most enjoyable. Not quite as endearing as Ms. Marple nor quite the air of mystique as Brother Cadfael but the setting, the community, and our protagonist qere intriguing and for the most part believable if not a tad wishywashy. Love, love, love the herbal references.
September 2, 2025
I LOVE this mystery series! In Rueful Death, China is suffering from burnout and heads off on a monastic retreat only to be pulled into another baffling drama.
September 1, 2017
The back cover says China Bayles is "totally a woman of the nineties." Probably so, but he story was pretty good anyway.
September 2, 2018
I was not a huge fan of this one. It was in a different setting and difficult for me to keep track of all the major players in the mystery.
August 16, 2019
Enjoyed yet another of China Bayle’s mysteries. A bit different than the others I have read but still very good. So on to the the next one.
July 27, 2025
I love this series. I've not read them in any kind of order but it doesn't diminish my enjoyment. Each one can almost be a standalone. China explains the backstory enough for the reader to know she was a lawyer, keeps up her credentials just in case, and owns an herb shop in Pecan Springs Texas. This is a town I wish were real and I could visit. This book takes place in another town, the first time in the series that China investigates outside of Pecan Springs. China is trying to work through some things like her relationship with McQuaid and his son, the herb shop and how many hours she's putting into it. She self - justifies and then worries that she's justifying. So she goes on retreat at a monastery. She's not particularly religious, but she does feel she's spiritual and knows this might be a good place to get away.
But there's trouble in area, politics within and among the nuns, suspicious deaths, power family that everyone is supposed to cowtow to. Not much rest for China as she's asked to investigate the fires that are being set.
I think China welcomes the distraction from her thoughts and wonderings about her life. I wanted to give her a hug. I'd love to talk to her about her herbs and give her a hand in her garden.
This is why I enjoy the series so much. Each book has a problem or six to work through, the characters are engaging as is the setting.
I can definitely recommend this book, series and author.
But there's trouble in area, politics within and among the nuns, suspicious deaths, power family that everyone is supposed to cowtow to. Not much rest for China as she's asked to investigate the fires that are being set.
I think China welcomes the distraction from her thoughts and wonderings about her life. I wanted to give her a hug. I'd love to talk to her about her herbs and give her a hand in her garden.
This is why I enjoy the series so much. Each book has a problem or six to work through, the characters are engaging as is the setting.
I can definitely recommend this book, series and author.
November 19, 2023
China Bayles, former Houston lawyer and current owner of the herb shop Thyme and Seasons in Pecan Springs, is "swamped under tides of too much to do", both personally and professionally. So, she goes on a rest and retreat to St. Theresa's monastery, with her friend and former nun Mary Margaret. St. T's is in a serene and isolated area in rural Texas and is widely known for its cultivation of a variety of garlic called Rocambole. But all is not peaceful at St. T's. The merging of St. T's and St. Agatha's congregation has caused consternation. St. T's is also plagued by mysterious fires, arson, suspicious deaths, and poison-pen letters. Adding to this complexity is Tom Rowan, China's ex from Houston. It's up to China to disentangle the mysteries and fight temptation!
Although the story has many characters and subplots, it is an engaging read with an unexpected ending. The descriptions of rural Texas, and well-researched details on social issues and herbs, and references to classics like Agatha Christie’s Postern of Fate, and Brother Cadfael, from the Ellis Peters series, are a bonus.
Although the story has many characters and subplots, it is an engaging read with an unexpected ending. The descriptions of rural Texas, and well-researched details on social issues and herbs, and references to classics like Agatha Christie’s Postern of Fate, and Brother Cadfael, from the Ellis Peters series, are a bonus.
September 25, 2018
After several "heavier" books, I was ready for something light. In this case an old China Bayles mystery from 1995 that I missed. China is feeling overwhelmed. Christmas was crazy at her shop, she worked on a full out perfect Christmas which was successful, but....she is TIRED. She jumps at the chance to take a 2 week retreat at a convent run by an order of monastic nuns. Her friend, Maggie, who operates a very popular local restaurant is a former member of the order. She's also not sure of her relationship with McQuaid and is young son, Brian. Concerns about losing her independence are a common theme in these books, so I wasn't surprised. Her plan is to relax, read and take lots of walks.
Unfortunately, Maggie has promised that China would look into some fires that have sprung up over the last few months. Then there are the accusatory letters. Before she knows it, China is investigating despite her plan to relax and recharge.
I really enjoyed reading this one. It's a quick read. It literally took me less than 3 days. Now it's back to some heavy reading.
Unfortunately, Maggie has promised that China would look into some fires that have sprung up over the last few months. Then there are the accusatory letters. Before she knows it, China is investigating despite her plan to relax and recharge.
I really enjoyed reading this one. It's a quick read. It literally took me less than 3 days. Now it's back to some heavy reading.
August 29, 2019
What a delight! Fifth in the popular series, this book may mark my becoming a true fan of the author. Not only does the author solve the Jessica Fletcher conundrum - how many fresh murder mysteries can a charming small-town community provide for our amateur sleuth to solve? - by having China travel across the state for a vacation/retreat at religious community renowned for its garlic and herbal crafts, she also depicts its residents with care and interest. Topics regarding The Church and its patriarchal attitudes are deftly handled and I loved the moment when China put herself proudly on “the side of the devil” on at least one divisive issue regarding women’s rights. Other delights included quite a number of quotes on the subject of rue; a great description of a Texas dancehall; prayers on behalf of the Dallas Cowboys; and at least one colorful Texas expression that has now entered my household of ready insults. And all of that was woven into a genuinely engrossing mystery that led unexpected places.
May 7, 2025
Another awesome installment in the China Bayles cozy series. I'm only upset it took me so long to get back into it! Book 5 takes place away from Pecan Springs at a nunnery in the middle of nowhere, where sisters have been plagued by poison pen letters and arson. There's even been a questionable death. Albert does a great job here of tossing around red herrings, and making you guess up until the last minute who was responsible. Was one person in charge of everything? Were there multiple culprits? Unlike other cozy mystery authors, Albert handles multiple story strings deftly and never lets one drop. The plot was constantly moving and China was swiftly jumping from one clue to the next, uncovering more mysteries as she went.
I have read other books set in nunneries before, and they weren't half as interesting as this one. As good as this installment was, I'm happy that China will be returning to Pecan Springs and her herb shop for the next one.
I have read other books set in nunneries before, and they weren't half as interesting as this one. As good as this installment was, I'm happy that China will be returning to Pecan Springs and her herb shop for the next one.
September 17, 2020
Along with her friend, Maggie, China is going on a retreat at St. Theresa's, where Maggie had once been a nun. China is there to recover from Christmas, and think hard about her life, McQuaid and her business. But there's more. Mother Superior wants her to investigate some goings on at the convent - poison pen letters directed to nuns accusing them of sin, and demanding public penance, small fires, and a general disorder due to the fact that 2 different houses have been combined. It's a matter of city mouse - nuns who ran a fancy retreat house for corporate bigwigs and church VIPS with golf course, etc., versus the country mouse - nuns who run St. Theresa's as an agricultural community, whose land had been left to them by a wealthy patron. And when one of the older nuns dies, fingers start pointing.
January 14, 2022
I read the first 4 books in this series of China Bayles former lawyer turned to gift shop owner of herbs and herbal lotions. This plot concerns a retreat she takes at a monastery with her friend Mary Margaret who was a nun but left the Catholic Church and also owns a store in the same square as China. There are a lot of mysteries going on at the monastery: poison pen letters, fires, and a play for power between two groups of nuns. Who set the fires? who is the letter writer accusing the sister of a religious crime and insisting a penance be suffered? Who will be voted as the head nun? It'a complicated process to weed through. China is also sees her lover-Tom- from a previous time when she was a lawyer. He still affects her but can she figure out who should be her partner: Mc Quaid who she lives with now or with Tom?
November 28, 2017
Really enjoyed this China Bayles installment.
In search of peace and quirt, a little reflection and downtime, China goes on retreat to St. Theresa's Monastery with her friend Maggie, a former nun. The goal is a brief, tranquil retreat - but there's a conflict at the convent. The mother superior has recently died, and a battle over the future of St. Theresa's suggests that her sudden demise might not have been accidental. Now, China's quest for a replenished spirit takes second place to a more earthbound pursuit: catching a killer. And, finding the arsonist who has set several small fires at the St. T's. As China deals with the calamities at the monastery, she longs for the quiet and solitude that she came for.
In search of peace and quirt, a little reflection and downtime, China goes on retreat to St. Theresa's Monastery with her friend Maggie, a former nun. The goal is a brief, tranquil retreat - but there's a conflict at the convent. The mother superior has recently died, and a battle over the future of St. Theresa's suggests that her sudden demise might not have been accidental. Now, China's quest for a replenished spirit takes second place to a more earthbound pursuit: catching a killer. And, finding the arsonist who has set several small fires at the St. T's. As China deals with the calamities at the monastery, she longs for the quiet and solitude that she came for.
December 16, 2017
In reading books like this, it makes me want to experience the same things that the main character does. In this book, China goes off to a retreat in an abbey, for some relaxation. I wouldn't want to become a nun, but I wouldn't mind experiencing what it would be like, for a day...possibly longer if the first day went ok. But just for the experience.
Even nuns can have secrets up the sleeves of their habits. There was only one murder, occurring near the very end, and the killer wasn't a nun, surprisingly. Usually, a culprit is chosen near the middle of the book, and it turns out not to be that person, as it's too early to close out the book. On to the next book in the series.
Even nuns can have secrets up the sleeves of their habits. There was only one murder, occurring near the very end, and the killer wasn't a nun, surprisingly. Usually, a culprit is chosen near the middle of the book, and it turns out not to be that person, as it's too early to close out the book. On to the next book in the series.
December 11, 2017
When China feels burnt out from all the work at her herb shop, she travels to St. Teresa's, a convent that has rooms for reflection and peaceful vacations. When she arrives, though, it is to a hectic convent in the midst of a battle between keeping the convent as it is or building on to make it into a resort hotel. There have been several suspicious fires and a nun dies in a suspicious manner. China is asked to look into the problems and this leads to a good mystery and to the possible rekindling of an old romantic interest. This was a good book. I enjoy the China Bayles series and Ms. Albert is very good at spinning a mystery.
July 15, 2018
inside the sacred world of the monastery
this was a real treat to see what goes on behind the scenes in a nunnery. China shares history and knowledge of herbs while doing her detective/investigative work. She seems a bit rusty. China's conflict of her emotions and her commitment is clearly why everything seems so foggy and she's making multiple missteps. All gets settled surprisingly in the end. The nuns all grapple with a range of emotions, coupled with the politics of "close living" that the rest of us do. They have the followers, leaders, overachievers, dreamers, and the complacents. Everything is big in Texas...including dreams.
this was a real treat to see what goes on behind the scenes in a nunnery. China shares history and knowledge of herbs while doing her detective/investigative work. She seems a bit rusty. China's conflict of her emotions and her commitment is clearly why everything seems so foggy and she's making multiple missteps. All gets settled surprisingly in the end. The nuns all grapple with a range of emotions, coupled with the politics of "close living" that the rest of us do. They have the followers, leaders, overachievers, dreamers, and the complacents. Everything is big in Texas...including dreams.
September 2, 2017
China Bayles is burned out from the holiday season and decides to go on a retreat at a nunnery in the Texas hill country with her friend Maggie who used to be a nun there. Before she can relax China is asked by the abbess to investigate a series of fires and poison pen letters the nuns have been receiving. I like China but I missed her herb shop and her boyfriend McQuaid and best friend Ruby her were barely in this story. I was also a bit annoyed by the introduction of an ex-boyfriend of China's. I do like this series and will continue with it.
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